Project information

Save the New Zealand dolphin

WDC wants to create large safe havens in every ocean of the world to protect the places whales and dolphins live. You can help us protect the places they choose to feed, breed, raise their young, rest and socialize. We especially need your help to save the critically endangered New Zealand dolphin

Charity information: WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation

Need

In 1970, there were 30,000 New Zealand dolphins. Today there are just 7,000. Fishing nets kill these unique little dolphins and they are dying at a catastrophic rate. And for the small subpopulation around New Zealand’s North Island, known as the Maui’s dolphin, the situation is even more critical – there are fewer than 100 left alive!

All the dolphins need to ensure their future is a safe place to live – an area free from the death-nets that could cause their extinction.

Solution

We need to persuade the New Zealand Government to create a New Zealand Dolphin Sanctuary, banning gill and trawl nets in areas shallower than 100m. We will save an entire species! Creating this sanctuary could mean the difference between life and death for the 7,000 dolphins alive today. If the Government creates this vital sanctuary, the population could start to increase again.
WDC is working to create safe homes for whales and dolphins in every ocean of the world.

Impact

We will save the critically endangered New Zealand dolphin from extinction!

And, with your support, we will create safe-havens for whales and dolphins in every ocean of the world, including the Ross Sea, the Hebrides and the Costa Rica Dome. These sanctuaries will protect these remarkable and intelligent creatures from hunting, entanglement in fishing nets, noise pollution, collisions with ships and human disturbance

Risk

National governments have conflicting agendas towards the marine environment, resulting in complex national laws and perspectives. WDC works closely with United Nations, the European Commission and other conventions and treaties to establish international practices to reduce the risk posed by these conflicting agendas. We also commission scientific studies and engage experts who can reduce the risk of inaction by recommending best courses in view of the data available.

Reporting

WDC will keep in regular contact via email and you can subscribe to our award-winning magazine, Whale & Dolphin which will keep you up to date with this and all our campaigns. Our website provides up to the minute information and you can also follow our campaigns on Facebook and Twitter.

Location

We aim to set up protected areas wherever there are vulnerable and endangered whale and dolphin populations, but at present we are focusing on 12 areas: New Zealand, the Hebrides (UK), Ross Sea (Antarctica), Southeast Shoal of the Grand Bank, Commander Islands / Kamchatka (Russian Far East), Costa Rica Dome (E. Pacific), Alboran Sea (Mediterranean), Bangladesh, Saya de Malha Banks (w Indian Ocean), Moon Reef (Fiji), the Caribbean and the South American River Dolphin Protected Network

Beneficiaries

We can save the New Zealand dolphin from extinction!

And, whales, and dolphins in every ocean of the world will benefit from this project - WDC's goal is to design and create large safe havens around the world to safeguard the future of whales and dolphins everywhere.

Why Us?

WDC is the leading global charity dedicated to the conservation and protection of whales and dolphins.
We have a long-standing track record in marine science and a commitment to giving whales and dolphins the protection they so desperately need, now and for as long as it takes.

We have an excellent track record of working with governments on marine protected areas and other initiatives, as well as running successful campaigns to protect whales and dolphins.